the bubble bursts at boro

So the inevitable has happened and the Addick's taste defeat in the league for the first time this season.

It was always going to happen sooner or later.  I think, providing we can get back on track, it's a positive that it happened against Stevenage and not one of our main promotion rivals such as Sheffield Wednesday, Sheffield United, MK Dons, Scunthorpe or Notts County (We've played all of those and avoided defeat). We're still top and it's only two weeks ago that we picked up our last win (away to Sheffield United, arguably one of the better teams in the division).

I think the current blip is not about us suddenly becoming a bad team over night.  Tranmere and Stevenage both came at us, closed us down and harried for every ball, something that a lot of the other opposition we've played this term to date have not done, or not done very well.  I think also Sir Chris needs to revert to the starting eleven that have served us so well.  Despite the potential of Green Wagstaff has proved to be a much more integral and influential part of the team when he has played, contributing 2 goals and 2 assists so far (as opposed to Danny Greens none and one).

Kermogant, in my opinion, is not a bad player - and is best suited as we have seen on two occasions this season to coming on with fresh legs and changing the dynamics of the forward line.  Hayes, despite not having the silkiest skills, links up play intelligently and has himself chipped in with 3 league goals and four assists. (This means he has been directly involved in 29% of our league goals this term). The BWP/Hayes partnership looks the more natural, and they've only played together for handful of games so can only get stronger.

Finally I've read Sir Chris comment on why he moved Morrison to right back and dropped Solly. I can see his reasoning based on (what would seem was incorrect) the assumption that Stevenage were a purley physical threat, but again think that was the wrong decision. From what I can gather it left us a bit lopsided, and Solly has been our most consistent player so far. And for all the right reasons.

It's really important we get back to the basics. Play our passing patient game, get the midfield to get some steel back into their game to combat opposition who want to stifle us, and give as good as we get in that respect.

I don't feel the wheels are falling off just yet and look forward to seeing a return to type on Saturday and hopefully a good win which will return that winning focus and confidence back to the team.